Our community of artists is the core foundation of Artfinder. With such a vast community based in all corners of the world, we wanted to help them share more about their artist journey, their artistic process and technique and what inspires them. Today, we chat with one of our amazing painters, Elena Sokolova.
Can you introduce yourself, where you are from and how long you have been with Artfinder for?
My name is Elena and I joined Artfinder in October 2015. The question where am I from is a bit difficult and can not be answered in short. I was born and grew up in Sankt - Petersburg, Russia. There I got my education and first work experience in the field of optics. Also there I had a possibility to visit great museums, attend art lectures and develop my test in art. In 1993 I was invited to teach optics related disciplines in university in Portugal. One of these disciplines was physics of colour. I was also making art holograms with my students and organized holography exhibitions inside of the university open days. In 2001 I started a new job as an optical designer in the Netherlands. This is more engineering than artistic task, but some people including me also see an artistic component it it. I was drawing and painting from childhood, but it took me a long time to realise that I want to do it in a more professional level. And now this is very important part of my life.
In just a short sentence, how would you describe/summarise your work?
Showing the beauty of our planet and bringing a positive to people's lives.
What influences you and your work?
Everything I see around me, people, nature, art exhibitions.
What does your creative process involve?
Looking around, making quick photos, sketches and small plain air artworks, making bigger artworks based on these photos, sketches and small plain air artworks.
Have you changed as an artist over time?
Probably yes, everything is changing overtime. No one has analysed my artworks in a historical perspective yet.
What’s your favourite artwork you created and why?
Each artwork I am creating is the favourite one for the time of creation and just after. Then the new ideas are coming and the next one is the favourite.
What do you think is the role of art/artists in society?
It can be many aspects for different artists. I define my role in bringing the positive to the people's lives.
What advice do you have for emerging artists looking to make a living out of their art career?
Since my artistic story is not a usual one, this is difficult to advise others, may be just be yourself.
Cover image via Elena Sokolova
